HL Deb 26 July 1990 vol 521 c1777WA
Lord Clinton-Davis

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why over the last 10 years they have accepted optimistic estimates for the price of nuclear electricity.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Employment (Viscount Ullswater)

The Government must rely on the best estimates of the companies which constitute the electricity supply industry. It is to the credit of the Government that the cost of nuclear power has been brought into the open.

Lord Clinton-Davis

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proportion of the levy of 10.6 per cent. on electricity bills announced by the Secretary of State for Energy earlier this year will go towards subsidising nuclear power.

Viscount Ullswater

Almost all of the initial levy rate of 10.6 per cent. will support the nuclear stations. As extra tranches, exclusively for renewables, are added to the Non Fossil Fuel Levy, the proportion of the levy going to renewable generators will rise significantly.